Manchester United battled back from two goals down to rescue a point against a lowly Southampton side at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United continued to drop more points in the 2018-19 Premier League season, as they played out a frustrating 2-2 draw against Southampton on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s men were off to a disastrous start as they were pegged back just thirteen minutes into the game, when Stuart Armstrong buried home a finish to put the Saints ahead. Soon after, the home team were two goals ahead, when Cedric Soares unleashed a sensational free-kick.
Manchester United didn’t throw in the towel though, and came back into the game shortly after the half-hour mark, with Romelu Lukaku finding the back of the net. Ander Herrera restored parity six minutes later, with a cheeky flick after some fine work by Marcus Rashford.
Neither team were able to press ahead and get a winner in the second half though, and had to share the spoils at the end of the game. Following the result, Manchester United remain seventh on the table, a whopping 16 points behind leaders Manchester City.
#MUFC come from behind to earn a point on the south coast. #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/7yuhBDEoMg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2018
And here’s how Mourinho’s men fared in another disappointing outing for the club.
David de Gea: 6/10
Not a lot the Spaniard could do about either goals as he was let down by a poor defence once again. Produced a couple of decent stops after the break to keep the scoreline at 2-2.
Scott McTominay: 5/10
Cannot be a coincidence that United have conceded two goals in the first half in each of the three games he has started. Began sluggishly, but did improve a bit over time. Showed a decent range of passing and made a couple of important interventions, although he could have given away a penalty, having tangled with Michael Obafemi. Should not be starting in defence.
Phil Jones: 5/10
The only recognised centre-back in the Manchester United lineup, much was expected of the England international as he was entrusted with the responsibility to marshal the troops at the back, but he failed to do so. Was partly culpable for the first goal. Did show signs of improvement after the break, but needed to be on the money from the get-go.
Nemanja Matic: 4/10
Starting in the three-man defence for the Red Devils, the giant Serb was once again off the pace. Guilty for the hosts’ first goal and looked off pace as Nathan Redmond caused him all sorts of problems. Saw a lot of the ball after the break, but offered little quality. Another pedestrian performance from Mourinho’s trusted lieutenant.
Ashley Young: 5.5/10
The captain on the day offered a lot of purpose and drive down the right flank, but his end product was a letdown on a number of occasions. Defended solidly for most parts, kept running all game long. Couldn’t produce that moment of quality that could have sent United over the line, however.
Ander Herrera: 6.5/10
The Spaniard did not start all that well as Southampton took the game to the visitors early on. But, Herrera started to make his presence felt with time. Great run into the box and a superb backheel flick to level things up in the first half. Showed great heart to constantly keep popping up to help his defence after the break, but could have shown more creativity with his usage of the ball.
Marouane Fellaini: 4/10
Manchester United’s hero in the last game against BSC Young Boys, the Belgian international did very little of note in the entire game. Wasn’t effective enough in his duties of shielding the defence, while he just does not possess the quality on the ball to open up defences.
Paul Pogba: 4/10
In a game which was crying out for his quality and creativity, the World Cup winner failed to stamp his authority. Pogba showed glimpses of brilliance here and there, but was not consistent enough. Conceded possession carelessly on countless occasions and was lucky not to have been shown a second yellow card after his pull on Obafemi. Just not good enough.
Luke Shaw: 6.5/10
Returning to the ground where it all began for him, the England international was a rare source of positivity on the evening for Manchester United. Shaw was always on the prowl to get forward and help his team in attack and defended diligently as well. Saw a fierce strike fizz wide in the second period, before he was taken off with an injury. United will be hoping it is nothing serious.
Romelu Lukaku: 6/10
The big Belgian ended his 12-game goal drought that lasted over 980 minutes with a well-taken strike to bring Manchester United back into the game in the first half. Lukaku’s touch continued to let him down though, and he had drifted out of the game when he was taken off for Jesse Lingard late on.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
After a wasteful display against Young Boys earlier in the week, the Manchester United academy graduate produced a performance filled with so much intent. Rashford gave away the free-kick from which Southampton doubled their lead, but redeemed himself by creating the two goals to bring his team back into the game.
Never stopped running the channels and gave it his all, before being withdrawn due to fatigue. Needs to build on this display.
Substitutes
Diogo Dalot: 5/10
Made his Premier League debut, replacing Shaw for the last twenty minutes. Made a good run forward, but overhit his cross.
Anthony Martial: 5/10
Came on for Rashford with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Had little impact on the proceedings.
Jesse Lingard: N/A
Replaced Lukaku towards the end of the game. Not enough time to make a telling impact.
